ELE202 Lab1 v2.1

ELE 202
Laboratory #1
Introduction to Basic Lab Equipment, Tools, & DC Measurements
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Laboratory work involving electric circuits depends on various devices to supply power to a circuit, to generate
controlled input signals, and for circuit measurements. The basic operation of these instruments may seem somewhat
complicated at first, but the student should gain confidence as the student’s experience grows from more in-lab exercises
to follow. Eventually, the operation of the commonly used instruments such as Power Supply, Oscilloscope, Multimeter
and Function Generator should feel natural and intuitive. Likewise, over time the student should become increasingly
comfortable with the use of circuit simulation software tool and breadboard device for convenient prototyping and
testing of electrical circuits.
The aim of this lab exercise is to familiarize students with the laboratory facilities and safety procedures; to introduce
the use of Digital Multimeter (DMM) and Power Supply (PS) instruments for basic DC measurements; and use of the
MultiSIM simulation tool and a breadboard for constructing and testing of circuits. For the in-lab exercise, a “cookbook-
like” approach is used to help student effectively navigate through this first, yet important, in-lab exposure to circuit
prototyping and measurements.
1.1 Digital Multimeter (DMM)
A digital multimeter is an electronic measurement instrument that combines several AC/DC measurement functions and
displays its results digitally. The one used for this lab is Keysight Model EDU34450A as shown in Figure 1.0a. Refer
to the DMM user manual, related FAQs and video tutorials on the course website (D2L) for proper setup and
operations. Specifically, the DMM can be configured to measure voltage (as a Voltmeter), current (as an Ammeter) or
resistance (as an Ohmmeter):
• Voltmeter: It measures the voltage difference between two nodes in a circuit. The DMM Voltmeter is placed in parallel with the
circuit branch as shown in Figure 1.0b(i).
• Ammeter: It measures current through a circuit branch by letting the current go through the DMM. Hence, the circuit must
temporarily be “broken” to allow the Ammeter to be connected in series with a circuit branch as shown in Figure 1.0b(ii), and
then connection “restored” after the measurement is completed. (Note: when inserting or removing the Ammeter from the circuit,
the power to the circuit must be turned off to avoid damaging the instrument.)
• Ohmmeter: Resistance measurement is done similar to the voltage measurement by placing the DMM Ohmmeter directly across,
or in parallel with, the resistor to be measured as shown in Figure 1.0b(iii). (Note: the resistor being measured should be
disconnected from the rest of the circuit during this measurement.)
Figure 1.0a: Keysight Digital Multimeter
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021
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+ _
V
R1 R1
+ V1 _ +
+ + +
E_ V2
_
R2 V E_ I R2 R2
_
_ A +
(i) (ii) (iii)
Figure 1.0b: Basic circuit connections - (i) Voltmeter, (ii) Ammeter, and (iii) Ohmmeter
1.2 DC Power Supply (PS)
Active electronic circuits require a power supply providing electrical energy as the driving electromotive force (EMF)
to operate the circuit. The power supply can be a battery, a DC supply operating from the AC power line, or some other
source such as a solar source, fuel cell, generator or thermoelectric element. A DC Power Supply (PS) is an instrument
or device that supplies DC voltage and current to a circuit, and used for the lab experiments in this course. The one used
for this lab is Keysight Model EDU36311A as shown in Figure 1.0c. Refer to the Power Supply user manual, related
FAQs and video tutorials on the course website (D2L) for proper setup and operations. This Power Supply
accommodates triple DC power supply sources, and each has a “floating” ground (“-” terminal), meaning it is not
internally connected to each other or any other instruments. Hence, each of these three power supply sources can be
used as an independent DC source, just like a battery.
Figure 1.0c: Keysight Power Supply
Prepared by Dr. M.S. Kassam, Dr. S. Hussain & K. Tang. © Toronto Metropolitan University, ECBE Department, 2021 2
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1.3 Breadboard
A breadboard is a convenient device for prototyping electrical and electronic circuits in a form that can be easily tested
and changed. Figure 1.0d illustrates a typical breadboard, and its layout consists of a rectangular matrix of insertion
points (or holes) which can be used to plug resistors, capacitors, inductors, Integrated Chips (ICs), wires, connectors,
etc. Each group of five holes of the breadboard are connected inside the board by a metal strip to form a single five-
hole node. Different components at a given node are connected by pushing in a corresponding end of each component
into holes connected to the same node. The horizontal lines of nodes (shown as red and blue lines) are common nodes
that are all connected., i.e., all the holes (nodes) across the red (or blue) line are connected from one end to the other,
and these are typically used for power supply connections or for those nodes to which many components are connected.
A jumper wire can also be used to combine two nodes into one. The three binding posts (RED, BLACK and GREEN)
are typically used for DC or AC power supply source connections, from which jumper wires are used to connect to the
respective horizontal common nodes. Refer to the Breadboarding instructions, FAQs and video tutorials on the course
website (D2L) for proper use of the breadboard to implement and test circuits
These holes are

connected to
form a node
Figure 1.0d: Breadboard
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1.4 MultiSIM
MultiSIM is an electronic schematic capture and simulation program used to analyze circuit behavior. All AC/DC
voltages, AC/DC currents, resistance, frequency, phase-shift, time-domain waveform, etc. can be determined using this
software. An example circuit simulation measurement is shown below in Figure 1.0e that corresponds to the example
circuit in Figure 1.0b. In this simulation, all components are visually laid out in a way that is the same as the circuit
diagram. Each DMM configuration is connected the same way that a physical DMM would be connected on the
breadboard. Results are obtained by running the simulation and then double clicking on each piece of equipment to read
the desired output values. Refer to the MultiSIM software download procedures, related FAQs and video tutorials on
the course website (D2L) to get acquainted with proper use of this simulation tool, and become proficient at it.
(i)
(ii)
Figure 1.0e: Examples of using MultiSIM
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1.5 Standard Resistor Color-Code
The resistance of a resistor determines how much current it will carry when a given voltage is applied across it. A
resistor is a passive electrical component to create specific resistance in the flow of electric current, commonly found
in almost all electrical networks and circuits. The unit of measure is Ohms (Ω), which is the resistance of a conductor
such that a constant current of one Ampere in it will produce a voltage of one Volt between its ends. Hence, the current
(I) through a resistor (R) is proportional to the voltage (V) across the resistor, and this is represented by Ohm’s Law: I
= V/R. This expression can be used as V = I.R to calculate the voltage across the resistor, or as R = V/I to find the
resistance value.
Manufacturers specify a resistor’s nominal resistance value and its tolerance using color-codes on the resistor. The
tolerance means that the actual value of the resistor is guaranteed to be within this amount of its nominal value. For
example, a resistor with its nominal value labelled as 1kΩ + 5% means that the manufacturer guarantees the actual
resistance will be between 950Ω and 1050Ω. The standard resistor Color-Codes Chart1 is illustrated in Figure 1.0f.
COLOR VALUE of RESISTANCE COLOR TOLERANCE

Black 0 100 = 1 Red 2%
Brown 1 1 101 = 10 Gold 5%
Red 2 2 102 = 100 Silver 10 %
Orange 3 3 103 = 1,000 None 20 %
Yellow 4 4 104 = 10,000 4th band
Green 5 5 105 = 100,000
Blue 6 6 106 = 1,000,000
Violet 7 7 107 = 10,000,000
Grey 8 8 108 = 100,000,000
White 9 9 109 = 1,000,000,000
1st band 2nd band 3rd band
Example: => |Brown|Black|Red|Gold|

1 0 102 5 % => 10 x k (with + 5 % tolerance)
Figure 1.0f: Standard Resistor Color-Code Chart
1
There are some easy to remember mnemonics that can help you remember the order of the resistor color chart, e.g.,
Black Beautiful Roses Occupy Your Garden, Blue Violets Grow Wild. Check out this Wikipedia link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_electronic_color_code_mnemonics
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1.6 Lab Safety, Rules and Operating Procedures
Electrical voltages and currents can be dangerous if they occur at values that interfere with physiological functions. All
of the laboratory exercises for this particular course are designed to use AC and DC voltages much less than 20 volts,
values that should not cause perceptible shock through the skin. Nevertheless, since the lab instruments are powered by
“household” line voltage (110 volts-rms), one must be extremely careful to avoid shock or potentially lethal situations.
Hence, safety becomes an important component of good lab practice. Accordingly, it is mandatory for each student to
review and follow the Power Point Presentation on “Laboratory Safety” provided by the Electrical, Computer, and
Biomedical Engineering (ECBE) department at this link: http://www.ee.ryerson.ca/guides/labsafety and on the D2L
course website. The Lab Instructor will also spend the first few minutes of this first lab session to go over laboratory
safety procedures.
The key lab safety rules and operating procedures that MUST be followed are:
• Students are allowed in the Laboratory only when the Lab Instructor is present.
• Be aware of the physical location of the RED POWER CUTOFF button in the Lab Room to shut off power in an
emergency; and the BLUE EMERGENCY PULL STATIONS in the case of any emergency, be it medical, accident,
smoke, fire or electrocution.
• Open drinks and food are not allowed near the lab benches.
• Remove all loose conductive jewelry and trinkets, including rings, which may come in contact with exposed circuits.
• Report any broken equipment or defective parts to the Lab Instructor immediately. Do not open, remove the cover, or
attempt to repair any equipment.
• When the experiment is finished, all equipment must be turned OFF. Return any cables or components to the designated
locations in the lab room.
• Do not move equipment between lab stations. No equipment should be taken out of the lab room by the student under
any circumstances.
ANYONE VIOLATING ANY LAB SAFETY RULES OR REGULATIONS MAY BE DENIED FURTHER
ACCESS TO THESE LAB FACILITIES.
1.7 Lab Reporting Guidelines (**IMPORTANT **)
The following guidelines should help each student produce more consistent lab records with clear distinctions between the
student’s expectations, the actual data, and the analysis of the data. To this end, each lab exercise for this course is structured
to include self-contained Pre-Lab Work, In-Lab Work and Post-Lab Work, explained below:
Pre-Lab Work: The Pre-Lab Work (Section 4.0 of each Lab Exercise) is designed to motivate and define the student’s
experiments, and thus prepare the student for the in-Lab work. Pre-Lab work should be treated like a small yet important
homework assignment, to be handwritten in the workspaces provided in Section 4.0 and completed prior to the student’s
scheduled In-Lab work. The Pre-Lab assignments will generally analyze and predict the performance of an electric circuit
and follow it with simulation of the circuit, to result in predictions for the measurement data student will record during the
In-Lab work. Hence, for each Lab Exercise, the Pre-Lab Work in Section 4.0 MUST be completed and submitted (online via
D2L) prior to the start of the student’s scheduled In-Lab work, otherwise a zero mark will be assigned for the entire lab
exercise. Refer to Section 7.0 of each Lab Exercise for more information.
In-Lab Work: Each student will use a single lab-station for the In-Lab work. The In-Lab work involves breadboard
implementation, testing and measurements of the circuits using lab equipment, the procedures for which are outlined in
Section 5.0 of each Lab Exercise. The experimental data or results are recorded in the workspaces provided in Section 5.0.
Post-Lab Work: The Post-Lab Work (Section 6.0 of each Lab exercise) entails interpretation of the student’s In-Lab work
results in terms of the analyses and predictions of the student’s Pre-Lab Work. It presents the student with opportunity to
discuss not only the circuit operation but also whether the results answer the questions from the Pre-Lab Work. The Post-Lab
Work is done in the workspaces provided in Section 6.0. As long as the Pre-Lab Work was submitted in a timely manner, the
student’s completed In-Lab Work (Section 5.0) and Post-lab Work (Section 6.0) can be submitted on-line (via D2L) by the
deadline stated in Section 7.0 of each Lab Exercise, and on D2L.
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2.0 OBJECTIVES
• To introduce use of MultiSIM circuit simulation tool for capturing and analyzing circuits,
• To familiarize with the operation of basic electrical equipment such as a DC Power Supply (PS) and Digital
Multimeter (DMM).
• To construct and test basic electrical circuits using a Breadboard device,
• To properly use a Digital Multimeter (DMM) to measure DC voltage, current and resistance.
• To learn the Standard Resistor Color-Code scheme necessary to read resistor values and tolerances.
3.0 REQUIRED LAB EQUIPMENT & PARTS

• Digital Multimeter (DMM) and Power Supply (PS)
• ELE202 Lab Kit: various components, breadboard, wires and jumpers.
4.0 PRE-LAB: ASSIGNMENT
(a) Use the Standard Resistor Colour-Code Chart in Figure 1.0f to: (i) determine the numerical value, tolerance
and acceptable resistance range for each colour-coded resistor listed in Table 1.0a, and (ii) identify the
corresponding 4-band colour codes of each resistor value listed in Table 1.0b. (Note: 1 kΩ = 1x103Ω =
1000 Ω)
Pre- Lab workspace
Color of Bands Color Code Range of Acceptable Values

1st 2nd 3rd 4th Value Tolerance (%)
Resistor band band band band Minimum Maximum
1 Orange Orange Black Red
2 Green Violet Yellow Gold
3 Blue Red Red None
4 Yellow Violet Orange Silver
Table 1.0a
Resistor Colour of Bands

Value 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
band band band band
220 Ω + 5%
620 Ω + 2%
5.6 kΩ + 2%
470 kΩ + 5%
Table 1.0b
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(b) The simple DC circuit in Figure 2.0 is powered by a 15 volts DC battery input-source (VI) which will cause
currents to flow through the resistors, R1, R2 and R3 as illustrated. When current flows through a resistor, it
creates a voltage across the resistor as governed by the Ohm’s Law expression, V = I.R. The Kirchhoff’s
Current Law (KCL) states that the sum of all currents entering (or leaving) a node is zero. Therefore, I1 +
(- I2) + (- I3) = 0, resulting in I1 = I2 + I3.
Even though the basic circuit laws may not be fully covered in class as yet, you may use the above circuit
law expressions to determine the missing values in Table 2.0. Show your analysis on the below workspace
provided. Note: 1 mA = 1x10-3A = 0.001A; and 1 kΩ = 1x103Ω = 1000Ω
R1 (10 k
_
I1 + V1
+ +
+ R2 V2 V3 R3
VI _ (10 k _ _ (10 k
(15 volts) I2 I3
I1
Figure 2.0: Simple D.C. circuit for voltage and current measurements
Pre- Lab workspace
V1 V2 V3 I1 I2 I3
5 volts 0.5 mA
Table 2.0
(i)
(ii)
(iii) What relationship exists between voltages V2 and V3? and between currents, I2 and I3? Why?
(iv) Was the voltage relationship VI = V1 + (V2 or V3) established? If so, why would it be the case?
(v) If the resistor, R1 is replaced with a wire (i.e. make R1 = 0 Ω), intuitively what might the resultant value of the
(vi) voltage, V3 be? Explain.
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(c) The circuit in Figure 2.1 is a simple voltage-divider configuration that uses two resistors in series to create
an output voltage, VO which is a fraction of the input voltage, VI. The basic circuit laws dictate that the
circuit current, I and the resultant voltage division output, VO of this basic circuit configuration can be
expressed as:
VI VO RY
I = = VO = VI
RX + RY RY RY + RX
If the input voltage, VI = 15 volts, and resistors RX = 10 kΩ and RY = 5.0 kΩ, find the values of the output
voltage, VO and the circuit current, I by using the above expressions. Record the results in Table 2.1.
RX
RX
I +
VI + + RY VO
RY VO VI _
_
_ _
Figure 2.1: Simple voltage-divider circuit
Pre- Lab workspace
VO I
Table 2.1
For the resistor values selected for circuits in Figure 2.0 and Figure 2.1, and comparing your results in Table 2.0
with those in Table 2.1, answer the following questions:
(i) (i) Why would the value of I = I1 and VO = V2 (or V3)? Explain.
(ii) (ii) Would it be reasonable to conclude that resistor, RY value chosen must be equivalent to the value of parallel
resistors, R2 and R3 combined? Why?
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(d) Practice Exercise for MultiSIM simulation: At this point, the student should have already
downloaded and installed the licenced version of MultiSIM software, and become familiar with the basic use
of this simulation tool to construct and test simple electrical circuits. As was noted earlier, student should
“Refer to the MultiSIM software download procedures, related FAQs and video tutorials on the course
website (D2L) to get acquainted with proper use of this simulation tool, and become proficient at it.”
On MultiSIM, construct and simulate the practice circuit in Figure 3.0 using the values shown. Measure the
voltages, VY (across R3) and VZ (across R5) and current, IX (through R4) as shown.
To know your practice simulation of the circuit is done correctly, the measured results should show:
VY = 7.275 V, VZ = 6.674 V and IX = 1.008 mA

• Copy and paste a screenshot showing your MultiSIM readings on the circuit. Include the MultiSIM circuit file (.ms14)
in your Pre-Lab submission.
• All screenshots should show your name printed on the center-top of the MultiSIM screen and the timestamp at the
bottom-lower corner.
R4 (3.3 k
IX
R1 (1 k R2 (2 k
+ + +
VI _ R3 VY R5 VZ
(10 volts) (3 k - (5.1 k -
Figure 3.0: Practice circuit for MultiSIM tool
(e) Use MultiSIM to:

(i) Construct and simulate the circuit of Figure 2.0, with VI = 15 V and R1 = R2 = R3 = 10 kΩ. Measure the
voltages V1, V2 and V3; and currents I1, I2 and I3. Record the results in below Table 2.2.
(ii) Construct and simulate the circuit of Figure 2.1, with VI = 15 V, RX = 10 kΩ and RY = 5 kΩ. Measure the
voltage, VO and current, I. Record the results in below Table 2.3.
• Copy and paste a screenshot showing your MultiSIM readings on each circuit. Include the MultiSIM circuit file (.ms14)
of each circuit in your Pre-Lab submission.
• All screenshots should show your name printed on the center-top of the MultiSIM screen and the timestamp at the
bottom-lower corner.
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Pre-Lab workspace
V1 V2 V3 I1 I2 I3
Table 2.2
VO I
Table 2.3
(i) Compare your above simulation results with the respective theoretical ones from Table 2.0 and Table 2.1, and
comment.
(ii) Do these simulation results support your answers to the questions posed earlier in the Pre-Lab sections 4(b) and
4(c)? Explain.
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5.0 IN-LAB Experiments: IMPEMENTATION & MEASUREMENTS
(a) Resistance Measurement.

1. Select three 10 kΩ resistors from your Lab Kit and mark (or label) each one as R1, R2 and R3 respectively,
so that each resistor can be correctly identified when later used in a circuit.
2. Turn ON the DMM multimeter and set it as an Ohmmeter by pressing the “Ω2W” function key on the
instrument. Then, as illustrated in Figure 5.0a, directly measure the actual resistance value of each 10 kΩ
resistor. Record yours results in Table 3.0 in the appropriate column. Fill in the remaining columns later for
Post-Lab work.
Figure 5.0a: DMM Ohmmeter Connection
THEORETICAL ACTUAL ACTUAL DEVIATION

Color Code Minimum Maximum Measured (C. C. value − ACTUAL value). 100
Dev. % =
(C.C.) value value value value (C. C. value)
R1 10 kΩ
R2 10 kΩ
R3 10 kΩ
Table 3.0: Actual vs Theoretical values of resistance
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(b) Breadboard Implementation, and Voltage-Current Measurements:
Implementation of the Simple DC Circuit in Figure 2.0
1. Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS) and the DMM multimeter.
2. Follow proper breadboarding procedures to neatly construct the DC circuit in Figure 2.0 on your breadboard
using the three 10 kΩ resistors that were previously marked and identified as R1, R2 and R3. For convenience,
connect a red wire from the RED binding terminal to one of a “red lined” horizontal node on the breadboard,
and a green wire from the GREEN binding terminal to the “blue lined” common node. This way, the “+”
side of the input DC voltage, VI from the Power Supply can be securely connected to the RED terminal with
a banana cable, and the “-” side of the input DC voltage from the Power Supply securely connected to the
GREEN binding terminal using a second banana cable. Banana cables are made available in the lab room.
Below Figure 5.0b shows a possible breadboard setup of the DC circuit in Figure 2.0 to serve as a reference
guide.
Figure 5.0b: Example of breadboard setup for the circuit in Figure 2.0.
3. Voltage Measurements: Turn ON the DMM multimeter and set it as a Voltmeter by pressing the “DCV”
function key on the instrument. Connect the cable probes to the DMM as shown in Figure 5.0c-(i).
• Turn ON the Power Supply (PS) and set its voltage value to 15 volts (to serve as your VI input source). Use the probes
to measure V1 (across R1), V2 (across R2) and V3 (across R3) one at a time. Example of the voltage measurement of V1
across resistor, R1 is illustrated in Figure 5.0c-(ii). Record your measured values in Table 4.0.
• Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS) and DMM.
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(i) DMM Voltmeter Configuration (ii) Example of how to take voltage across resistor R1, with the DMM
Figure 5.0c: DMM Voltmeter Connections
4. Current Measurements: Connect the cable probes to the DMM as shown in Figure 5.0d-(i). Turn ON the
DMM multimeter and set it as an Ammeter by pressing the “DCI” function key on the instrument.
• To measure current, I1 (through R1), break the circuit to insert the Ammeter in series with R1. Example of the
Ammeter connected in series with R1 is shown in Figure 5.0d-(ii). Note: Be very careful when using the Ammeter feature of
the multimeter. If the Ammeter is not placed in series with the resistor and the probe leads are placed across the resistor instead, then you can
burn out the multimeter’s fuse and/or damage the instrument.
• Turn ON the Power Supply (PS) and set its voltage value back to 15 volts for the VI input source. Record your
Ammeter measured value of the current in Table 4.0.
• Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS). Then, disconnect the Ammeter and restore the original wire connection in place.
• Follow the above procedures to measure current, I2 (through R2). Repeat the same to measure current, I3 (through
R3). Record the Ammeter measured values of the respective currents in Table 4.0.
• Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS) and the DMM.
(i) DMM Ammeter Configuration (ii) Example of how to measure current through resistor R1, with the DMM
Figure 5.0d: DMM Ammeter Connections
V1 V2 V3 I1 I2 I3
Table 4.0: Measured values for the circuit in Figure 2.0
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Implementation of the Voltage-Divider circuit in Figure 2.1
2. Modify your existing breadboard circuit in Figure 2.0 to construct the voltage-divider circuit in Figure 2.1,
as follows:
o Leave resistor, R1 (10 kΩ) from the previous circuit in place to serve as the required value for resistor RX (10 kΩ)
of the voltage-divider circuit in Figure 2.1.
o Remove resistor, R3 from the previous circuit.
o Select 5.1 kΩ from your Kit for the resistor value for RY. (Note: For the Pre-Lab analysis, a 5.0 kΩ value was
used for the resistor, RY. However, in practice the closet standard value resistor available to use is 5.1 kΩ.)
o Replace resistor, R2 (10 kΩ) in the previous circuit with the 5.1 kΩ resistor to serve as the required resistor, RY of
the voltage-divider circuit in Figure 2.1.
3. Turn ON the Power Supply (PS) and set its voltage value to 15 volts for your VI input source.
4. Turn ON the DMM multimeter and set it as a Voltmeter by pressing the DCV function key on the instrument,
and connect the cable probes as was shown in Figure 5.0c-(i). Measure the voltage, VO across resistor, RY.
Record the measured value in Table 4.1.
5. Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS).
6. Set the DMM multimeter as an Ammeter by pressing the DCI function key on the instrument, and connect
the cable probes as was shown in Figure 5.0d-(i).
7. Insert the Ammeter in series with resistor, RX [as was illustrated in Figure 5.0d-(ii)] to measure the current,
I through it.
8. Turn ON the Power Supply (PS) and set its voltage value to 15V for your VI input source.
9. Record the measured value of the current, I in Table 4.1.
VO I
Table 4.1: Measured values for the circuit in Figure 2.1
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(c) Potentiometer – as a variable Resistor

A potentiometer is a manually adjustable variable resistor with 3 terminals, and can be used for varying
resistance in a circuit. An example of a physical potentiometer and its basic symbol of operation is shown in
Figure 6.0a. The two outer terminals “1” and “3” of the potentiometer are internally connected to both ends
of a fixed value resistive element that defines the potentiometer’s resistance rating (Rp), and the middle
terminal “2” internally connects to a sliding contact that moves over the fixed resistive element like a wiper.
The wiper action is controlled by a central knob, which when turned in CW or CCW direction, resistance
between the wiper (terminal “2”) and one outer terminal goes up while resistance between the wiper and the
other terminal goes down. In essence, the potentiometer resistance, RP can be seen as two resistors in series,
R1-2 and R2-3 where the sum always equals RP = R1-2 + R2-3 for any wiper position. The potentiometer
configures as a variable resistor when used as R1-2 between terminals “1” and “2” or as R2-3 between terminals
“2” and “3”.
wiper
2
R1-2 R2-3
2 ccw 1 3 cw
1 Clockwise
3
Figure 6.0a: Potentiometer
The purpose of this experiment is to explore the workings of a potentiometer explained above.
1. Select a 5 kΩ potentiometer from your Lab Kit. Place and wire the potentiometer on the breadboard as
illustrated in Figure 6.0d for easier DMM multimeter access to the potentiometer terminals.
2. Turn ON the DMM multimeter and press the Ω2W function key to set it as an Ohmmeter. Refer to Figure
5.0a for proper cable connections to the multimeter.
3. Turn the potentiometer knob (wiper) using a screw driver (or another suitable tool) to Fully CCW position.
(i) Connect the Ohmmeter between terminals “1” and “2” of the potentiometer for direct measurement of
resistance, R1-2. Record your result in Table 5.0.
(ii) Connect the Ohmmeter between terminals “2” and “3” of the potentiometer for direct measurement of
(iii) Connect the Ohmmeter between terminals “1” and “3” of the potentiometer for direct measurement of
4. Turn the potentiometer knob (wiper) clockwise to the Half-Way (i.e. “12 O’Clock” position) and repeat above
steps 3(i), 3(ii) and 3(iii).
5. Turn the potentiometer knob (wiper) to the Fully CW position, and repeat above steps 3(i), 3(ii) and 3(iii).
6. Turn OFF the DMM multimeter.
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1
2
3
Figure 6.0b: Potentiometer placement on the breadboard
Measured values
Wiper Total resistance
position R1-2 R2-3 R1-3 RP = R1-3 = R1-2 + R2-3
variable resistance variable resistance fixed resistance
Fully CCW
Half Way
Fully CW
Table 5.0: Measured values of the Potentiometer
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6.0 POST-LAB: OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
(a) Resistance Measurements

Workspace
From your observation of the results in Table 3.0:
• Was the actual value of each of the three 10 kΩ resistors within the expected maximum-minimum
resistance range? Stated differently, was the “Dev.%” of each resistor within its specified + 5%
tolerance? If not, what might be the reason(s) for the discrepancy?
• Even though the same 10 kΩ color-code valued resistors were selected, the actual measured
resistances of these three 10 kΩ resistors are not expected to be same. Is that what you have
observed? If so, why should that be the case?
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(b) Voltage-Current Measurements

Workspace
With reference to the “Simple DC Circuit” in Figure 2.0:
• Explain how your measurement results in Table 4.0 compare to the corresponding theoretical values in Table
2.0 and MultiSIM simulation values in Table 2.2? Explain possible causes of any discrepancies.
• Did the experimental results in Table 4.0 confirm the Kirchhoff’s Current Law expression: I1 = I2 + I3
provided earlier? Explain?
• From your measurement results in Table 4.0, calculate the resistance value of R1 (= V1/I1), R2 (=V2/I2) and
R3 (= V3/I3) => R1 = ………; R2 = ………; and R3 = ………. .
Are these values expected to be the same as the corresponding directly measured resistance values in Table
3.0.? Why?
ELE 202
Laboratory #1
Workspace
With reference to the “Simple Voltage Divider” circuit in Figure 2.1:
• Explain how your measurement results in Table 4.1 compare to the corresponding theoretical values in Table
2.1 and MultiSIM simulation values in Table 2.3? Explain possible causes of any discrepancies.
•
•
• Use your Pre-Lab 4(c) analysis to recalculate a more reasonable theoretical prediction of the expected V0 and
I values, taking into consideration the use of a standard value of 5.1 kΩ resistor (instead of the 5.0 kΩ) for RY.
How do these recalculated values compare to the measured ones in Table 4.1? Explain.
(c) Potentiometer – as a Variable Resistor

Workspace
• From your observation of the measurement results in Table 5.0, was the operation of a potentiometer verified?
Explain.
ELE 202
Laboratory #1
7.0 LAB REPORT REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

Lab reporting is to be completed and submitted separately as Part I and Part II, noted below:
Part I (Pre-Lab Work) => represents 40% of the pre-assigned Lab weight.
Pre-Lab Work (assignment) of Section 4.0 that includes handwritten calculations, MultiSIM results, and analysis
is to be completed and submitted prior to the start of your scheduled lab. The grading is commensurate with: -
completeness and accuracy of your handwritten calculations, analysis and MultiSIM simulation circuits/plots.
Note the following requirements for the document submission for Part I:
• A completed and signed “COVER PAGE – Part I” has to be included with your submission, a copy of
which is available on D2L. The report will not be graded if the signed cover page is not included.
• Your completed handwritten pages of Section 4.0 should be scanned (via a scanner or phone images),
together with the required MultiSIM images. Note: MultiSIM results must be generated using the
Department’s licensed version of MultiSIM, and the captured screenshots should show your name (at
the center-top) and the timestamp (at the bottom-right corner of your screen).
• Collate and create a .pdf or .docx file of the above, and upload it via D2L any time prior to the start
of your scheduled lab. Upload instructions are provided on D2L.
Zero marks will be assigned for the entire lab if this Part I is not submitted prior to your scheduled lab
Part II (In-Lab Work and Post-Lab Work) => represents 60% of the pre-assigned Lab weight.
In-Lab Work (Section 5.0) and Post-Lab Work (Section 6.0) that include in-lab results, handwritten analysis and
observations are to be completed and submitted within 24 hours after your lab. The grading is commensurate with:
- completeness, correctness and collection of all experimental results (data and waveforms); merits of observation
of the correlations between the experimental and pre-lab assignment results; and reasonableness of the answers to
questions posed.
Note the following requirements for the document submission for Part II:
• A completed and signed “COVER PAGE – Part II” has to be included with your submission, a copy
of which is available on D2L. The report will not be graded if the signed cover page is not included.
• Scan your completed pages of Section 5.0 and Section 6.0 (via a scanner or phone images), together
with any required In-Lab Oscilloscope screen-shot images.
• Collate and create a .pdf or .docx file of the above and upload it to the D2L. Late submissions will not
be graded.

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ELE 202

1.1 Digital Multimeter (DMM)

Figure 1.0a: Keysight Digital Multimeter

(i) (ii) (iii)

1.2 DC Power Supply (PS)

Figure 1.0c: Keysight Power Supply

These holes are

Figure 1.0d: Breadboard

Figure 1.0e: Examples of using MultiSIM

1.5 Standard Resistor Color-Code

COLOR VALUE of RESISTANCE COLOR TOLERANCE

Example: => |Brown|Black|Red|Gold|

Figure 1.0f: Standard Resistor Color-Code Chart

1.6 Lab Safety, Rules and Operating Procedures

1.7 Lab Reporting Guidelines (**IMPORTANT **)

3.0 REQUIRED LAB EQUIPMENT & PARTS

4.0 PRE-LAB: ASSIGNMENT

Color of Bands Color Code Range of Acceptable Values

2 Green Violet Yellow Gold

3 Blue Red Red None

4 Yellow Violet Orange Silver

Resistor Colour of Bands

Pre- Lab workspace

Figure 2.1: Simple voltage-divider circuit

Pre- Lab workspace

VY = 7.275 V, VZ = 6.674 V and IX = 1.008 mA

Figure 3.0: Practice circuit for MultiSIM tool

(e) Use MultiSIM to:

5.0 IN-LAB Experiments: IMPEMENTATION & MEASUREMENTS

(a) Resistance Measurement.

Figure 5.0a: DMM Ohmmeter Connection

THEORETICAL ACTUAL ACTUAL DEVIATION

Table 3.0: Actual vs Theoretical values of resistance

(b) Breadboard Implementation, and Voltage-Current Measurements:

Implementation of the Simple DC Circuit in Figure 2.0

• Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS) and DMM.

Figure 5.0c: DMM Voltmeter Connections

Figure 5.0d: DMM Ammeter Connections

Table 4.0: Measured values for the circuit in Figure 2.0

Implementation of the Voltage-Divider circuit in Figure 2.1

5. Turn OFF the Power Supply (PS).

9. Record the measured value of the current, I in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Measured values for the circuit in Figure 2.1

(c) Potentiometer – as a variable Resistor

Figure 6.0a: Potentiometer

6. Turn OFF the DMM multimeter.

Figure 6.0b: Potentiometer placement on the breadboard

Table 5.0: Measured values of the Potentiometer

6.0 POST-LAB: OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

(a) Resistance Measurements

(b) Voltage-Current Measurements

(c) Potentiometer – as a Variable Resistor

7.0 LAB REPORT REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

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1.7 Lab Reporting Guidelines (IMPORTANT )